Good News For Our Farmers After A Difficult Spring

New York’s more than 30,000 farms help feed our communities and contribute billions to our state’s economy. But farming is also one of the toughest professions there is, with success often depending on factors beyond the farmer’s control.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted New York state a Secretarial Disaster Designation following the freezes, frost and severe weather that damaged crops across numerous counties this spring. The designation grants eligible farmers access to low-interest emergency loans to help recover from their crop losses.

After an unusually warm start to the season caused many crops to bud early, several rounds of freezing temperatures hit New York in April and May. Apple orchards, vineyards, strawberry fields and other fruit crops were hit the hardest, with some farms losing nearly their entire harvest and producers reporting more than $30 million in economic loss.

Agriculture is one of New York’s most important industries and one that must be protected. Farming accounts for nearly one-quarter of our state’s land area and is supported by nearly 31,000 farms. New York also ranks among the country’s leading producers of many agricultural products, including first in cottage cheese, sour cream and yogurt, second in cabbage and maple syrup, third in apples and fifth in milk production. It is important we stand by our farmers when circumstances beyond their control threaten their livelihoods. That is especially true as we face growing pressures on our farmland, including the expansion of large-scale solar projects.

Affected farmers have eight months to apply for federal financial assistance. The covered weather events include:

Frost/Freeze: April 7–8, April 19–21, May 11–12

High winds & hail: May 13–14

Excessive rain & flooding: March 31–April 1

If you or someone you know owns a farm that may have been impacted by this spring’s severe weather, I encourage you to learn more about the assistance that is now available through your local USDA Farm Service Agency office: fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at [email protected]. You may also find me, Assemblyman Will Barclay, on Facebook or X at @WillABarclay.